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Maryland Carroll County Health Department

Stay Safe in the Heat

Forecasters are issuing a heat advisory for our area on Tuesday, September 5 through Wednesday, September 6. Because of the anticipated extreme temperatures, the Carroll County Department of Citizen Services and the Carroll County Public Library System will operate relief centers around the county. Residents who are vulnerable to high temperatures and who do not have proper protection in their homes are encouraged to cool off in any of the following locations until the close of business:

Relief centers are open during regular business hours at County Senior Centers and the Department of Citizen Services.

  • Citizen Services Office Building, 10 Distillery Drive, Westminster (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)
  • Mount Airy Senior and Community Center, 703 Ridge Avenue, Mount Airy (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)
  • North Carroll Senior and Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike, Hampstead (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – )
  • South Carroll Senior and Community Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Eldersburg (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)
  • Taneytown Senior and Community Center, 220 Roberts Mill Road, Taneytown (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)
  • Westminster Senior and Community Center, 125 Stoner Ave., Westminster (8 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)

All branches of the Carroll County Public Library System will also be open as cooling centers during regular business hours.

  • Eldersburg Branch, 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
  • Finksburg Branch, 2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
  • Mt. Airy Branch, 705 Ridge Avenue, Mt. Airy (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
  • North Carroll Branch, 2255 Hanover Pike, Hampstead (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
  • Taneytown Branch, 10 Grand Drive, Taneytown (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)
  • Westminster Branch, 50 East Main Street, Westminster (9 AM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)

Facilities operated by private/non-governmental organizations will also be open as cooling centers during specific business hours.

  • Carroll County Veterans Independence Project, 95 Carroll Street, Suite 104, Westminster (10 AM – 4 PM Tues. – Wed.)
  • On Our Own of Carroll County, 265 East Main Street, Suite C, Westminster (9 AM – 12:45 PM Tues. & 9 AM – 3 PM Wed.) 
  • Human Services Programs Adult Only Homeless Shelter, 127 Stoner Avenue, Westminster (12 PM – 8 PM Tues. – Wed.)

Access to air conditioning and water fountains will be available for those who need them at any of the cooling centers.

older man wiping sweat from forehad       Outdoor worker in heat

Heat safety tips

  • Limit time outside, especially at the hottest time of day, between 10 AM and 4 PM.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing and sunscreen SPF 15 or higher when outside.
  • Drink more water than usual. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
  • Check on kids and elderly or disabled neighbors and family members.
  • NEVER leave a child, pet, or elderly person alone in a car, even for a minute. This can quickly cause heatstroke and even death. If you see a child, elderly person, or pet alone in a car, call 911.

For more information on staying safe in the heat, visit www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/

Heat Stroke WHAT TO LOOK FOR High body temperature (103°F or higher) Hot, red, dry, or damp skin Fast, strong pulse Headache Dizziness Nausea Confusion Losing consciousness (passing out) WHAT TO DO Call 911 right away-heat stroke is a medical emergency Move the person to a cooler place Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath Do not give the person anything to drink Heat Exhaustion WHAT TO LOOK FOR Heavy sweating Cold, pale, and clammy skin Fast, weak pulse Nausea or vomiting Muscle cramps Tiredness or weakness Dizziness Headache Fainting (passing out) WHAT TO DO Move to a cool place Loosen your clothes Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath Sip water Get medical help right away if: You are throwing up Your symptoms get worse Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour

Summer Storms

Check the weather and make sure you and your family are prepared for summer storms.

  • Find safe spots in your house without windows or doors, where you can shelter in a storm.
  • Keep cell phones charged. Make sure all family members know important numbers, and know how to text. Text messages can be easier to send in an emergency.
  • Have a kit with water (1 gallon per person and pet per day for 3 days), a flashlight, and a radio (a weather radio is best).
  • Plan for family members with special needs, like medical equipment that needs electricity.
  • Watch TV, listen to the radio, or check online for storm updates:
  • Make sure pets and farm animals have a safe place to shelter.
  • Keep your cars’ gas tanks filled.
  • Clear your yard of things that could blow around during the storm and damage your home, like grills, bikes, and patio furniture.
  • Know how to turn off your power and gas. If you see flooding or downed power lines, smell gas, or have to leave your home, switch them off.
  • Fill sinks and bathtubs with water for washing and flushing toilets in case you lose your water supply.
  • Lower the temperature in your refrigerator and freezer to keep food cold if the power goes out.

For more information on summer storms, visit Thunderstorms and Lightning from Ready.gov

Power Outages / Energy Assistance

If your power goes out, report it to your power company.

BGE: 877-778-2222

Potomac Edison: 888-544-4877

If you need help paying your energy bills, call Human Services Programs at 410-857-2999.

Water Safety

The water at beaches can sometime be contaminated with things that make people sick. Check for Maryland beach safety information and sign up for updates at http://www.marylandhealthybeaches.org/

Keep kids safe at the beach or pool. Make sure an adult who can swim is actively watching the kids.

To keep pools clean and germ-free, wash off before entering the pool, stay out of the pool if you are sick, and change kids’ swim diapers often. Teach kids not to swallow pool water.

For more summer safety tips for kids, visit CDC’s water safety page.

For more information on extreme weather and safety, visit our extreme weather page.